Heo Hwangok

by Charles La Shure

The first Queen of Gaya. According to legend, while Hwangok was a princess in Ayuta (in central India) she had a dream of King Suro. In her dream she learned that Suro had not yet found a queen, and both her parents agreed that she should go and become Suro's bride. She arrived in Gaya on a ship with a red sail and red flag, bearing treasure and gifts. When she was presented to the king she told him of her dream and the king knew instantly that this was heaven's chosen bride for him. They were married immediately, and the queen was greatly loved by all the people. She bore the king nine sons.

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